This Week's Leaders

Bridal Shower Seating Dilemma

As my sister's Matron of Honor, I am hosting her girls only bridal shower. It is going to be a relatively large shower with 48 guests. I am hosting the shower at our mother's house, outside in her (incredibly gorgeous) backyard. It will be a seated buffet luncheon. Since it is a shower, and not a formal party, I'm not sure if I should make seating arrangements for the guests or let them sit where they want. Because it's such a large party I'm concerned that people may feel lost if I don't assign seating, but I don't want the party to seem too stuffy either. Please help!

My shower was a buffet at a restaurant, about 30-35 people. The hostess assigned people to three tables: one was me and my friends, one was my mom's friends that I grew up with, and one was family. As the bride, I thought it was nice because I didn't feel like I was slighting anyone by not sitting at their table, since tables were assigned. Also, when you have a larger group of people, I think it can be nice to make people feel like they don't have to race to claim a seat with their friends. I definitely would not assign seats, though.

I didn't have assigned seating at my shower. I knew there were two friends coming who wouldn't know anyone but me, so I had an idea in my head of who I could seat these ladies with. When each of them came in I told them they were welcome to sit where they wanted but I thought they might enjoy sitting with table X. Then I walked them over and introduced them to the other people at the table. I didn't want anyone to have that awkward moment of "I don't know anyone, where do I sit?" It worked really well.